Grant Dawson, born January 20, 1994, is an American UFC lightweight fighter with a 22-2-1 record as of 2025. He has become a prominent figure in the UFC, known for his exceptional grappling skills and his finishing ability. At 31 years old, Dawson has already made a name for himself in the MMA world. He is married to Elle Dawson, a professional MMA fighter in her own right, competing in the Fighting Alliance Championship in the 115-lbs women’s strawweight division. The couple, both teammates at American Top Team, has been together since 2017 and officially tied the knot in 2022. With a combined MMA background, the Dawson duo is one of the most formidable and dynamic couples in the fighting world. While Grant’s net worth stands at an estimated $500,000, Elle’s accomplishments in the cage also bring an impressive record and a bright future.
Key Takeaways
- Resilient Fighters: Grant Dawson’s ability to overcome setbacks, like his loss to King Green, demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed in the UFC lightweight division.
- Dynamic Couple: Both Grant and Elle Dawson have made a name for themselves in MMA, with Elle’s 5-1 pro record and Grant’s impressive 22-2-1 UFC career.
- Shared Passion: The Dawsons share a unique bond, both professionally and personally, with their training at American Top Team and mutual love for the sport.
- Future Potential: With Grant’s recent victories and Elle’s rising career, both fighters are set to continue making significant strides in the MMA world.
Grant Dawson’s Rise to UFC Stardom
Grant Dawson entered the UFC in 2017, following a victory on the Dana White’s Contender Series against Adrian Diaz, earning himself a UFC contract. Dawson quickly made an impression with his submission skills and overall versatility. He built a five-fight win streak, with three of those victories coming via finishes, showcasing his ability to end fights decisively. His grappling, particularly his rear naked choke, became a trademark technique, allowing him to submit opponents and control fights on the ground.
Dawson’s promising start was momentarily halted when he faced Ricky Glenn in 2021, where he suffered a setback. However, Dawson did not let this loss define him. He quickly bounced back with two stunning victories against Jared Gordon and Mark Madsen, both of which ended with rear-naked choke submissions in the third round, re-establishing his place as a rising star in the lightweight division. Dawson’s ability to overcome adversity and stay resilient has earned him respect from fans and fighters alike.
In 2023, Dawson added another impressive victory to his resume with a unanimous decision win over Damir Ismagulov at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov, continuing his momentum and proving that his earlier success was no fluke.
Facing King Green: Setback and Recovery
Despite his accomplishments, Dawson encountered a significant setback when he faced Bobby “King” Green in a fight that many expected him to win. Unfortunately for Dawson, Green caught him early in the opening round, landing a devastating shot that ended the fight in just 33 seconds. The loss was a tough blow for Dawson, but he showed his character by not letting it affect his mindset.
Since that defeat, Dawson has bounced back with two consecutive wins, reaffirming his potential and hunger for success in the lightweight division. While Dawson remains unranked in the UFC, his skill set and determination suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he climbs the ranks. The loss to King Green was a humbling experience, but Dawson’s response has shown that he remains a top contender in the division, eager to prove himself once again.
Elle Dawson: A Fighter in Her Own Right
Grant’s wife, Elle Dawson, born November 5, 1995, has also made her mark in the world of mixed martial arts. Like her husband, Elle trains at American Top Team and competes in the Fighting Alliance Championship. Known by her fight nickname ‘Ruthless,’ Elle has a strong grappling background, having earned her blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2019. Her grappling acumen has served her well in her fights, where she has won four of her five professional victories via submission. Three of those submissions have come through the highly effective rear-naked choke, much like her husband’s go-to move.
Before turning pro, Elle built a 6-3 record in amateur MMA, showcasing her talent and potential in the sport. Since going pro, she has posted an impressive 5-1 record, with only one loss in 2020. Elle’s work ethic and dedication to the sport have made her a formidable opponent in the strawweight division. While her career is still in its early stages, Elle has made it clear that she is a fighter to watch and is likely to continue making waves in the coming years.
The Dawson Family Dynamic: Partners in MMA
The dynamic between Grant and Elle Dawson is unique in the MMA world. Both are fighters who understand the sacrifices and challenges that come with the sport. Their shared passion for MMA allows them to support each other both professionally and personally, as they continue to grow in their respective careers. Training at American Top Team, one of the premier gyms in the world, provides them with the necessary tools to improve and refine their skills, and they continue to push each other to be better.
Their shared passion for MMA also makes their relationship strong, as both understand the sacrifices required for success. Their journey together has been marked by both professional triumphs and personal milestones, such as their 2022 wedding, which solidified their partnership in both life and sport. The Dawsons are not just a power couple in the MMA world—they are also teammates who work together to support each other’s dreams.
In conclusion, Grant and Elle Dawson’s partnership both in and out of the cage is one that highlights the importance of shared passion, dedication, and mutual support. While Grant continues to rise through the UFC ranks and Elle cements her place in professional MMA, their combined presence in the sport promises a bright future for the Dawson family.